Overview

The Music Composition programme at University at Buffalo offers a stimulating intellectual environment dedicated to contemporary musical creation at the highest level. This Master of Arts provides students with the necessary space to develop an authentic creative character through rigorous academic and practical study.

Why Music Composition at University at Buffalo?

The Department of Music has maintained a prestigious reputation for decades as a leading centre for contemporary composition in North America. Students benefit from being part of New York State’s flagship public research university, which is consistently recognised for its world-class impact and academic excellence. The programme encourages cross-disciplinary collaboration and technological experimentation, providing access to extensive resources within the College of Arts and Sciences.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 12870 per semester
National fee: USD 12870 per semester
Local fee: USD 5655 per semester

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum requires the completion of 36 credit hours over a standard two-year duration. Modules may include:

Music Composition
Contemporary Musical Creation
Technological Experimentation
Cross-disciplinary Collaboration
Creative Character Development
Advanced Musical Theory

Careers with Music Composition

Graduates are prepared for diverse roles within the global music industry, focusing on contemporary creation and professional composition. The programme's emphasis on developing a unique creative voice ensures that alumni are equipped to contribute to the evolving landscape of modern music. Students are supported by the university's broader initiatives that help transition academic talent into professional career paths.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Studies in Music Theory

Schenker Studies

Pitch Structures

Notation

Survey of Music History

Music Survey 1900-1945

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-25 00:00:00

Application deadline not specified.
Starting 2027-01-22 00:00:00

Application deadline not specified.

Language

English

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

36 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Buffalo, United States

Disciplines

Music Composition View 164 other Masters in Music Composition in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

GRE^®

Required

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Applications for admission are accepted for fall entry only.

Application Fee

Unofficial Transcripts

Three (3) Letters Of Recommendations

Graduate Record Exams (GRE)

Ub Financial Statement (International Students Only)

Bank Documents (International Students Only)

Passport (International Students Only)

Personal Statement And Statement Of Purpose

Support Materials

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

25740 USD / year

≈ 25740 USD / year
Out-of-State

25740 USD / year

≈ 25740 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

11310 USD / year

≈ 11310 USD / year

Living costs

Buffalo

United States

920 - 1560 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Music Composition.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Buffalo

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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